Paraguay outclass Turkey 3-1
Paraguay continued to shine and recorded their third win on the trot when they thrashed a struggling Turkey 3-1 in a Group B match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here on Thursday.
With this win, the South American side topped the pool with nine points.
Earlier, they had defeated Mali, one of the title contenders, 3-2, and New Zealand 4-2, at the D Y Patil stadium.
Giovanni Bogado (41st minute), Fernando Cardozo (43rd) scored in the first half for Paraguay, while Antonio Galeano (61st) struck their third goal after the break to seal a thumping win, reports PTI.
Paraguay took the lead after missing a penalty.
Bogado opened the scoring with a free-kick – the midfielder curled the ball from the spot and it zoomed into the left corner of the goal post, giving the Turkey custodian no chance.
Two minutes later, a backheal from Cardozo did the trick for Paraguay, who went 2-0 up. On a cross from Blas Aroma, Cardozo displayed exceptional skills and flicked the ball with his left foot, which went past the goalie.
Bogado took a corner which was blocked by Turkey’s defence, and Galeano shot outside the box, which deflected off Melih Gokcimen and went to the bottom right corner of the goal, as their keeper stood on his spot. This was Paraguay’s third goal.
Earlier, in the second minute, Paraguay failed to convert a penalty, awarded after Turkey defender Emirhan Civelek brought down Amora. His teammate, Anibal Vega, who scored a brace in their last game, failed to convert, as the Turkey custodian dived to his left and ensued that the South American side did not get the lead and the initial advantage.
In the 10th minute, Turkey had a chance to take go ahead, but a header from their striker Malik Karaamhet was easily saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Diego Huesca. In the 15th minute, off a brilliant pass, Vega shot above the bar, even as both sides seemed eager to open their account.